In addition to discovering the latest and greatest innovations and meeting 1300 exhibitors in 500,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibit space, World of Concrete gives attendees many opportunities to expand their horizons through educational seminars and special editorial events. THE CONCRETE PRODUCER is an official publication of World of Concrete and is the official magazine of the Producer Center in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

THE CONCRETE PRODUCER'S Challenges

John Deere Operator Challenge

Get in the driver's seat during this exciting competition. Put your speed and accuracy to the test on a 4WD loader, skid steer, backhoe, or excavator and score points toward the top daily prize. For each challenge, the operator is timed. Operators are penalized for errors or not accomplishing a task. Last year, more than 250 people participated in the John Deere Operator Challenge. Visit the events page at www.worldofconcrete.com to watch a video of the Challenge. Tuesday-Friday during exhibit hours in the Gold Lot, next to the North Hall.

Western Star Serious Trucks Challenge

Do you have what it takes to tackle the Western Star Serious Trucks Challenge? Drivers will maneuver ready-mix trucks in confined spaces, simulate concrete pours, and more. Parking, backing up, and maneuvering curves are some of the challenges. Tuesday-Thursday during exhibit hours in the Silver Lot, next to the South Hall.

Hoover Dam Bypass Tour

Join the editors of THE CONCRETE PRODUCER on an exciting tour of the world-famous Hoover Dam and its new concrete partner, the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, which was completed in 2010. Learn about the history and challenges concrete producers and contractors overcame to build these iconic structures on the Colorado River. Bus transportation and box lunches will be provided. Book early, as this tour always sells out. Sunday, Jan. 22, 12:30-5:30 p.m., and Friday, Jan. 27, 1-6 p.m. Pick-up and drop-off at Door 9 in back of Grand Concourse. Cost: $105.

Women in Concrete Luncheon & Forum

The sixth annual Women in Concrete Luncheon & Forum answers the question: “How can we create job growth for women in the concrete construction industry?” Experts will discuss ongoing efforts to support women in traditionally male fields and how to take advantage of new career opportunities.

The Concrete Industry Management (CIM) National Steering Committee (NSC) is once again hosting an unreserved auction. Concrete industry-related items will be auctioned off with all proceeds benefiting the five CIM programs. A fully equipped ready-mix truck will be auctioned off again this year. Wednesday, Jan. 25. Live Auction, 1-2 p.m., Room N264, Silent Auction, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Room N263. Visit www.concretedegree.com. If you cannot attend, you can bid online at www.rbauction.com.

Pervious Concrete Live Returns

Three topics of interest will be showcased at Pervious Concrete Live, which takes place during show hours in the Gold Lot, next to the North Hall.

Quality control testing

Students from the Concrete Industry Management program will explain how to use ASTM methods on both hardened and fresh pervious concrete to improve quality.

Construction details demonstration

Designers and contractors are employing new details to ensure the proper evacuation of surfaces without clogging of the outfall areas. To highlight some of the best practices of this important detail, members of the National Pervious Concrete Pavement Association will construct several types of outfalls that have been used successfully throughout the nation. These examples will be constructed in a 20x20-foot area. Some will be constructed before the show, but others will be placed during the week.

Maintenance procedures

With the amount of pervious pavement growing each year, contractors will need to learn techniques and product applications to help owners properly maintain their investments. Demonstrations are currently planned to include procedures on how to vacuum pavements to help proper infiltration rates and how to repair damaged surfaces that have been exposed to either mechanical damage or sulfate attack from salt.

Certification

Also this year, attendees have a great opportunity to achieve certification as an NRMCA Pervious Concrete Contractor when NRMCA administers the Pervious Concrete Installer certification program.

The training and verification of learning modules that lead to certification are delivered through Local Sponsoring Groups (LSG). This year, the American Society of Concrete Contractors is the sponsoring LSG. The exam review and testing session take place 1-4 p.m., Monday, Jan. 23. There are three certification levels: Pervious Concrete Technician, Pervious Concrete Installer, and Pervious Concrete Craftsman. To learn more about the program, visit www.nrmca.org.